Component suppliers from Asia have said that Apple has not yet released a production roadmap for the iPhone 5, providing further evidence that the company is planning a later-than-usual launch for its fifth-generation handset.

Citing sources at Taiwan-based touch panel makers, DigiTimesreported Wednesday that shipment volumes for the iPhone 4 continue to grow. In addition, Apple's chain of suppliers are not yet ready to shift their production lines for new products.

Suppliers typically receive a timetable to stop production of the current product to prepare for the next-generation device. But instead, iPhone 4 touch panel shipments have remained steady.

Sources in Apple's supply chain offered two different interpretations of the situation: Some believe Apple will slightly modify the iPhone 4 and release it in June or July as it has done in years past, while others see a possible "major overhaul" with the iPhone 5 coming at a later date.

Those in the latter camp said that it's possible Apple has faced some design and component issues that need to be resolved. Such complications could push back the debut of the iPhone 5, an event that one rumor has said is unlikely to occur until Apple's 2012 fiscal year, which begins in late September.

Apple typically shows off new iPhone hardware at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, scheduled to be held this year June 6 through 10. However, numerous reports have indicated that while Apple will use the event to show off the next version of its iOS mobile operating system, no new hardware will be introduced this year.

Moving the iPhone 5 back to September seems logical. In previous years, they had to hold a special event in April just to preview the new iOS version so developers could prep their products for the launch. Then, they would announce the iphone hardware at a software conference (WWDC) and release it a couple weeks later. However, if they move it back, they can preview the iOS at WWDC and go into more detail since many of the developers will be there and then announce the hardware in September along with their iPod lineup (the iPod touch is essentially a WiFi iphone anyway) with a release shortly after to hit the peak holiday season.

Suppliers typically receive a timetable to stop production of the current product to prepare for the next-generation device. But instead, iPhone 4 touch panel shipments have remained steady.

This doesn't necessary indicate there will be no new iPhone in the pipeline already..

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Sources in Apple's supply chain offered two different interpretations of the situation: Some believe Apple will slightly modify the iPhone 4 and release it in June or July as it has done in years past, ...

Moving the iPhone 5 back to September seems logical. In previous years, they had to hold a special event in April just to preview the new iOS version so developers could prep their products for the launch. Then, they would announce the iphone hardware at a software conference (WWDC) and release it a couple weeks later. However, if they move it back, they can preview the iOS at WWDC and go into more detail since many of the developers will be there and then announce the hardware in September along with their iPod lineup (the iPod touch is essentially a WiFi iphone anyway) with a release shortly after to hit the peak holiday season.

You can't count on logic alone when talking about Apple, this is Apple after all that we're talking about.. The Cupertino-based company tend to surprise us all, along with competitors with something new when everyone is expecting otherwise.

Like what AI said in the above article, "Apple typically shows off new iPhone hardware at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco," this is why people believe Apple will unveil new iPhone on the next WWDC. *fingers crossed*

Sources in Apple's supply chain offered two different interpretations of the situation: Some believe Apple will slightly modify the iPhone 4 and release it in June or July as it has done in years past,

Component suppliers from Asia have said that Apple has not yet released a production roadmap for the iPhone 5, providing further evidence that the company is planning a later-than-usual launch for its fifth-generation handset.

That or Apple is playing the biggest feint on everyone because it is tired of being beaten to the punch for it's product announcement.

So much back and forth on this is very frustrating. I have a 3Gs, and waited a full year for iPhone 4. I was a bit disappointed in the iP4 issues last Summer, so I decided to wait for iP5. Now it looks very unlikely to come out before September. I guess I can make peace with a September rollout, but I won't be able to stand much more. I definitely can't wait until January like some are suggesting. My 3Gs is showing it's age.

If Apple is being so quiet and getting certain "sources" to leak incorrect info just so they can have a truly surprise unveiling in June, then that would be fine. But if it is delayed, I wish they would just say so.